travel information
BERMAGUI
The Sapphire Coast is situated halfway between Melbourne and Sydney, and 3 hours from Canberra. It is known for its uncrowded beaches, untouched national parks and undiscovered coastal wilderness.
Nestled on the shores of the Bega Valley Shire is the picturesque coastal fishermen's village Bermagui. Its name is derived from the Djiringanj word, permageua, which is believed to mean 'canoe with paddles'.
The traditional owners of the Sapphire Coast region are the communities of the Yuin-Monaro Nations. From ancient times they have been the inhabitants and custodians of the land, sea and waterways, under the shadow of three sacred mountains - Biamanga (Mumbulla Mountain), Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) and Balawan (Mount Imlay). While exploring the Sapphire Coast, make sure to pause and acknowledge the profound history, enduring connections, ancestral bonds, stories, and ongoing significance that the region holds for its traditional owners.
Here are some things we things we have hand picked that we think you might enjoy:
BLUE POOL
A stunning ocean rock pool at the base of a dramatic rocky cliff is only a short walk from Bermagui town centre. Washed with sea water it is great for swimming, snorkelling and whale watching. A lovely picnic spot with public amenities. It's also home to a pod of seals all year round.
Janine's Pick
WHALE WATCHING
The Sapphire Coast of NSW is one of the world’s best locations to view the epic Humpback Whale annual migration. Each year tens of thousands of Humpback Whales pass the waters off Bermagui on their annual migration from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef.
The whale season runs from late September to late November so we'll all be there at the perfect time. There are viewing platforms all around the Bermagui cliffs, but to see the animals up close you'll need to book a cruise from Bermagui Wharf.
Many other sea creatures are seen on the cruises, including Southern Right, Minke, Bryde’s and Blue Whales, Common & Bottlenose Dolphins, Orca, Australian Fur Seals, penguins, flying fish, sunfish, turtles and many species of sea bird.
HORSE HEAD ROCK
Once you glimpse Horse Head Rock, you’ll immediately understand how it came by its name. This distinctive rock formation not only resembles the neck of a graceful pony but is also historically significant – at more than 500 million years old, it’s one of NSW’s most ancient rock edifices. The attraction is best viewed from the lookout platform accessed along the 1.5 kilometre one-way elevated walking track between Camel Rock and Murunna Point.
Adam's Pick
MIMOSA ROCKS WALK
Start your walk at Aragunnu carpark – there’s a well-defined track linking the section’s two picnic areas. Follow this short track then continue north another 250m on a paved path and boardwalk.
The boardwalk crosses over the largest Aboriginal midden in the park – take your time to read about the history and significance of the area along the way.
At the boardwalk’s end, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views over the rocks from the lookout. Keep an eye out for the large pyramid-shaped rock – beneath it rests the shipwrecked Mimosa, a paddle steamer that ran aground in 1863, and after which the park is named.
THE GROTTO
Embark on a captivating journey from Hayward Point, north of Bermagui, tracing the remnants of the old coastal highway along Four Mile Beach. The overgrown path, partially buried in sand, offers a unique exploration. Indulge in wild Australian blueberries while spotting diverse birdlife from public hides on the western side of the track and whales in the ocean on the eastern side.
(don't forget your binoculars)
If you don't get sick from all the blueberries you'll reach 'The Grotto', a natural hideaway formed by trees over the path, creating a perfect place for photos but also for some quiet meditation.
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GETTING THERE
BY CAR
Drive time
From Canberra: 3 hours (250km)
From Sydney: 5 hours (380km)
From Melbourne: 8 hours (670km)
From Canberra: 3 hours (250km)
From Sydney: 5 hours (380km)
From Melbourne: 8 hours (670km)
BY COACH
Premier Motor Service
A daily coach service from Sydney to Bermagui
– departs 9am, arrives 5.20pm
A second daily service from Sydney to Cobargo
(18km from Bermagui) – departs 3.20pm, arrives 10.30pm
Ph: 134 410
Website
A daily coach service from Sydney to Bermagui
– departs 9am, arrives 5.20pm
A second daily service from Sydney to Cobargo
(18km from Bermagui) – departs 3.20pm, arrives 10.30pm
Ph: 134 410
Website
V/Line Sapphire Coast Link
A train/coach service from Melbourne to Batemans
Bay which stops at Bermagui on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
On Monday, Thursday and Saturday the service stops
at Cobargo (18km from Bermagui)
Ph: 1800 800 007
Website
A train/coach service from Melbourne to Batemans
Bay which stops at Bermagui on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
On Monday, Thursday and Saturday the service stops
at Cobargo (18km from Bermagui)
Ph: 1800 800 007
Website
Janine's Pick
CAMPLIFY
Book a camper van and save on travel and accomodation. This may be a great option for guests who would like to take some more time exploring the Sapphire Coast and beyond.
BY AIR
Rex Airlines
Air services from Sydney and Melbourne into Moruya and Merimbula airports. Bermagui is 1 hours’ drive from either of these regional airports.
Ph: 131 713
Website
Air services from Sydney and Melbourne into Moruya and Merimbula airports. Bermagui is 1 hours’ drive from either of these regional airports.
Ph: 131 713
Website
Qantas
Air services from Sydney and Melbourne into Merimbula airport. Bermagui is 1 hours’ drive from Merimbula.
Ph: 1300 650 729
Website
Air services from Sydney and Melbourne into Merimbula airport. Bermagui is 1 hours’ drive from Merimbula.
Ph: 1300 650 729
Website
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COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE SERVICE
The complimentary wedding shuttle service will depart from the Bermagui Information Centre at 3:15pm. Please keep this in mid when booking accomodation. There will be multiple return services after the festivities to make sure guests end up in a bed.
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PLACES TO STAY
HARBOURVIEW HOUSE
For a spacial rate of $175 AUD per night our wedding guests are welcome to book rooms at this Boutique Hotel. Just let the staff at booking know you are attending our wedding. Harbourside accommodation, close to the beach, restaurants/cafes, Fishermen’s Wharf complex, right next door to the Country Club and golf course and just a short stroll to the village centre. Large spacious rooms with reverse cycle air, kitchenette and individual gas BBQ at rear, large flat screen TV. Ample parking for cars and boats.
Wifi: Yes Accessible: Yes Pet friendly: Yes
Wifi: Yes Accessible: Yes Pet friendly: Yes
56-58 Lamont Street, Bermagui
Ph: 02 6493 5213
Website
Ph: 02 6493 5213
Website
BERMAGUI MOTOR INN
Rated 3½ star, Bermagui Motor Inn offers ground floor units all with reverse cycle air, colour TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Variety of double, queen and king size beds, family suites with kitchenettes. Located in the centre of town, opposite the park and adjacent to Bermagui Harbour and Horseshoe Bay beach. Restaurants, cafes, shops, fishing, boat ramp, tennis, golf and bowls and the Country Club facilities are all a leisurely level stroll, less than 300m away. BBQ area, off-street car parking and boat parking area.
Wifi: Yes Accessible: Yes Pet friendly: No
Wifi: Yes Accessible: Yes Pet friendly: No
38 Lamont Street, Bermagui
02 6493 4311
Website
02 6493 4311
Website
THE ANCHORAGE RESORT
The Anchorage Resort offers 4 star two bedroom self-contained accommodation with fully equipped kitchen. The location is quiet and serene, situated alongside the Bermagui River and caters for business, couples, young families and groups. There are fantastic shared facilities such as the swimming pool, children’s playground, BBQ area and guest laundry. Popular with fishing groups providing ample parking for boats and walk-in freezer for bait and catch storage. Close proximity to the Fishermen’s Wharf and Lamont Street.
Wifi: Yes Accessible: No Pet friendly: No
Wifi: Yes Accessible: No Pet friendly: No
For even more accomodation options visit here.
There are also Airbnb options available as well as incredible campsites nearby for the more adventurous travellers.
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PLACES TO EAT
Adam & Janine's Pick
OCTOPII
Modern Australian cuisine made with fresh local ingredients.
3/5 Wallaga Lake Rd, Bermagui
Ph: 0423 626 065
Website
Ph: 0423 626 065
Website
*Try the crispy salt and pepper squid!
BONELESS VEGETARIAN CAFE
Laid back cafe spot with great coffee and even better, vegetarian dishes.
1/14 Lamont St. Bermagui
Ph: 02 6493 4057
Website
Ph: 02 6493 4057
Website
EUROLICIOUS
If our German travellers get a little homesick they can pop in here for a Bratwurst, Schnitzel or Pork Knuckle.
2/30 Lamont St. Bermagui
Ph: 0451 102 412
Website
Ph: 0451 102 412
Website
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happy travels,
JANINE & ADAM